It isn’t that there are “no words” when it comes to first trying to process someone’s sudden death. It is impossible to summon the right words when someone you have known for 40 years passes away suddenly. Joe Fennessy died a little more than a week ago ending his eight year battle with cancer. This loss to our entire community is difficult to process.
He fought this difficult personal battle while taking on so many challenges at work, as well as giving so much of his time and energy to volunteer at numerous local organizations. Expressing grief through words upon first hearing the sad news, the phrase “there are no words” seemed to precede many a remembrance. After it began to sink in, the other posts came up with plenty of words to describe their own experiences when recalling Joe. Everyone’s own memories of the guy that so many knew as “good ole’ Joe” posted on Facebook and Twitter, as well as the mortuary website, came up with more than enough comforting words to describe their good friend or acquaintance. Soon the words flowed out and were helping the community move forward without this extraordinary man.
Joe demonstrated the honorable qualities of kindness, humor, and adventurousness to everyone he met. He could be counted on to help out no matter what the circumstance. Above all, he reached out to offer his assistance throughout his life. He enjoyed hearing the stories told in the way that someone with Irish ancestry tells a tale. After all, he took a lot of pride in everything Irish. I, along with so many others in Meeker miss Francis Joseph Fennessy. His remarkable presence and zest for life will remain with us through the years as someone recalls a Good Ole’ Joe story.
By DOLLY VISCARDI – Special to the Herald Times
